Dividing a home into 16 Vastu zones is a crucial step in applying the principles of Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian science of architecture and spatial harmony. These 16 zones, each spanning 22.5 degrees, form the foundation for understanding the energy flow within a living space. Proper zoning ensures that each room, corridor, and structural element is placed in alignment with the natural forces of the universe, promoting prosperity, health, and spiritual well-being. This article outlines the precise method for dividing a house into 16 Vastu zones, highlights the importance of accurate gridding, and provides essential guidance for achieving a harmonious and energy-balanced living environment.
Understanding the Significance of 16 Vastu Zones
The concept of dividing a home into 16 equal angular segments is derived from the principles of Vastu Shastra, particularly as outlined in the Viswakarma Prakash and other ancient texts. These 16 zones, or vinyasas, are distributed across a 360-degree circle and represent distinct energy fields that influence different aspects of life. Each zone is associated with specific natural elements, deities, and functional areas of a house. For instance, the North-East (NE) zone is linked with spiritual growth and the element of water, while the South-West (SW) zone governs stability and the element of earth.
By accurately identifying and labeling these zones, homeowners and Vastu consultants can ensure that the placement of rooms, furniture, and structural features aligns with the natural flow of energy. This alignment not only enhances the aesthetic and functional design of a house but also supports the well-being and success of its occupants.
The Step-by-Step Process for Dividing a House into 16 Vastu Zones
To create a Vastu-compliant house, it is essential to follow a precise and methodical process for dividing the space into 16 zones. The following steps provide a clear guide to achieving this:
Determine the Orientation of the House:
The first step in creating a Vastu-compliant layout is to determine the exact direction in which the house is facing. This is typically done using a compass or a theodolite. The direction is measured in degrees, with North at 0° or 360°, East at 90°, South at 180°, and West at 270°.Plot the Cardinal Directions:
Once the orientation is established, the cardinal directions—North, East, South, and West—are plotted on the floor plan. These directions serve as the foundation for further divisions and are essential for maintaining the balance of the energy fields.Mark the Inter-Cardinal Directions:
The inter-cardinal directions—North-East (NE), South-East (SE), South-West (SW), and North-West (NW)—are positioned at 45° intervals between the cardinal directions. These directions play a significant role in influencing specific aspects of life, such as health, wealth, and relationships.Identify the Secondary Inter-Cardinal Directions:
To achieve a more refined and accurate division, the secondary inter-cardinal directions are marked at 22.5° intervals. These include North-North-East (NNE), East-North-East (ENE), East-South-East (ESE), South-South-East (SSE), South-South-West (SSW), West-South-West (WSW), West-North-West (WNW), and North-North-West (NNW). These micro-zones allow for a more detailed analysis of energy flow and provide greater precision in Vastu planning.Divide the Circle into 16 Equal Segments:
After marking the cardinal, inter-cardinal, and secondary inter-cardinal directions, the entire 360-degree circle is divided into 16 equal segments, each spanning 22.5°. This division ensures that each zone is of equal size and that the energy flow is evenly distributed across the house.Label Each Zone Clearly:
Once all 16 zones are marked, they should be labeled clearly on the floor plan. Each zone should be assigned a name and a directional degree to facilitate easy identification and analysis. This labeling is crucial for determining the placement of rooms, furniture, and structural elements in accordance with Vastu principles.Verify the Accuracy of the Grid:
To ensure that the grid is accurate, the alignment of each zone should be cross-checked using a compass or a theodolite. Any discrepancies should be corrected to maintain the integrity of the Vastu plan.
The Importance of Accurate Gridding in Vastu Shastra
Accurate gridding is essential for achieving a Vastu-compliant house, as it ensures that the energy flow is balanced and harmonious. The Vastu Purusha Mandal, a symbolic representation of the human body used in Vastu planning, is superimposed onto the floor plan to determine the ideal placement of rooms and structures. This grid is based on the 81-cell division method, which provides a more precise and accurate representation of energy fields than the commonly used angular division method.
However, many modern Vastu consultants rely on the angular division method, which divides the 360-degree circle into 16 equal segments of 22.5° each. While this method may seem straightforward, it has several drawbacks. For example, it can result in some zones being below the minimum energy flow line and others above the maximum energy flow line, which is against the principles of Vastu Shastra. This imbalance can disrupt the natural flow of energy and lead to negative effects on the occupants of the house.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to use the 81-cell division method, which provides a more accurate representation of energy fields and ensures that all zones are within the ideal energy range. This method is particularly useful for square plots with a perfect North orientation, as it divides the plot into equal cells and ensures that each zone is aligned with the natural forces of the universe.
Practical Applications of 16 Vastu Zones in Home Design
Once the 16 Vastu zones have been accurately identified and labeled, they can be used to guide the placement of rooms, furniture, and structural elements within the house. Each zone has specific attributes and influences different aspects of life, so it is important to align functional areas with the appropriate zones to maximize their benefits.
For example, the South-West zone is associated with stability and the element of earth, making it an ideal location for the master bedroom. The North-East zone is linked with spiritual growth and the element of water, making it a suitable location for the prayer room or meditation area. The South-East zone is governed by the element of fire, making it an appropriate location for the kitchen, where the stove should be placed facing East or North for optimal energy flow.
Other considerations include the placement of heavy furniture, which should be located in the South or West zones to promote stability and balance. Plants such as Tulsi and money plants should be placed in the East or North-East zones to attract prosperity and health. Bathrooms should be located in the North-West zone to promote cleanliness and hygiene, while the living room should be positioned in the North or East to encourage positive social interactions and enhance relationships.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Vastu Zoning
While dividing a house into 16 Vastu zones is a relatively straightforward process, there are several common mistakes that should be avoided to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of the Vastu plan. One of the most common errors is the incorrect division of the 360-degree circle into 16 equal segments, which can result in an imbalanced energy flow and negative effects on the occupants. Another mistake is the failure to align the Vastu Purusha Mandal with the floor plan, which is essential for determining the ideal placement of rooms and structures.
Additionally, many homeowners overlook the importance of verifying the accuracy of the grid using a compass or theodolite. Even a slight misalignment can disrupt the natural flow of energy and lead to negative consequences. It is also important to avoid placing essential rooms and structural elements in zones that are not aligned with their intended functions. For example, placing the kitchen in the North-West zone, which is associated with the element of air, can lead to an imbalance in the fire element and negatively impact digestion and health.
Conclusion
Dividing a house into 16 Vastu zones is a critical step in creating a harmonious and energy-balanced living environment. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this article, homeowners and Vastu consultants can ensure that the placement of rooms, furniture, and structural elements aligns with the natural forces of the universe. This alignment not only enhances the aesthetic and functional design of a house but also supports the well-being, prosperity, and spiritual growth of its occupants.
Accurate gridding is essential for achieving a Vastu-compliant house, as it ensures that the energy flow is balanced and harmonious. By avoiding common mistakes and using the 81-cell division method, homeowners can create a living space that promotes positive energy flow and supports their overall well-being. Whether you are planning to build a new home or renovate an existing one, following the principles of Vastu Shastra can help you create a space that is not only beautiful but also beneficial for your health, wealth, and happiness.